The future is in her hands; student astrologist wows clientele

Chapman student, Caroline Sechio, talks about her experience being a tarot card reader and the world of astrology. Photo collage by EMILY PARIS, photo editor

If you had the opportunity to have your future read, would you do it? An array of illustrated tarot cards are spread across the table in front of you and you hold your breath as you wait for your cards to be read. The idea of knowing your future from simple designs on these cards is intimidating, but after a couple of minutes of feeling the tension in your shoulders ease, you relax and accept your fate. 

Caroline Sechio, a junior screenwriting major, discovered she has a passion for tarot card readings two years ago. Although Sechio has only been doing readings for two years, she told The Panther her interest was piqued due to her upbringing. 

“I live kind of close to Salem, Massachusetts, and my aunt lived there,” Sechio said. “I just love going to the crystal shops and talking to the witches that own them. I had a friend who's into (tarot readings), and I was telling another about (my interest). She was like, ‘Oh, I have a deck, and I never use it.’ And they say that your first deck should be a gift. It felt like that was supposed to happen.”

Although she doesn’t see it becoming her full-time career, Sechio enjoys offering readings as a side business and hopes to always be able to do them for friends and family. She provides clients the opportunity to receive a general, love, personal or specific question reading. And at the end of each reading, Sechio will ask her client if they would like an Oracle card, which offers a piece of advice. 

Junior psychology major Sophia Wallace is a friend of Sechio’s who turns to her for readings whenever she needs a bit of clarity. 

"(Sechio) makes it very natural and not intimidating, which I know sometimes people who read tarot can be a little intimidating," Wallace said. "But she makes it more of a conversation, and it's really nice. It can give you some insight into what's happening in your life right then or even relationships with friends or family.” 

As much as Sechio enjoys her business, she has faced difficulties at Chapman trying to find new clients. Previously, Sechio had posted flyers in student housing, only to find them torn down and on the floor the next day. No matter the discouragement, Sechio remains positive about her business. 

Sechio told The Panther that people are more likely to be optimistic about their readings if they go in with an open mind. Thankfully, Sechio has never had to deal with a client who was unhappy with their reading. But in the future, if a client ever didn’t like their reading, Sechio said she already has a plan in place. 

“I would give them another one," Sechio said. "If they got a general (reading), I wouldn't give them another general at least at that time. Or we would reschedule for another time. But if you're putting negative energy in, it's not going to work for you.”

In Sechio’s experience, even “bad news” is sometimes what her clients need to hear. Whether it’s following a new path in life or leaving a relationship that isn’t good for you, Sechio said the cards are meant to help you navigate that negativity. 

“When it resonates so much, you kinda have to accept it, "Sechio said. "(If you are) being told (your readings) and don't accept it because it's negative, you have to wonder if deep down it’s accurate and then do what you can with that information.”

Apps such as Co-Star are very popular amongst the astrology-loving community. Co-Star shows the user their astrological chart, allows them to connect with friends and provides a daily horoscope based off of their chart. But according to Sechio, the app tends to be inaccurate and prefers another app instead.

“I use the app Charts Astrology, which tells you your whole chart and gives you really good descriptions,” Sechio said. “I get my horoscope and you can also see your connection with other people through it. I think it's good to know your chart because it's about understanding yourself and I just feel like it’s similar to knowing your Myers Briggs.” 

As for potential tarot card readers, Sechio advises that individuals find that special deck of cards that speaks to them and simply start reading.

“Like I mentioned before, your first (deck) should be a gift, but it can be a gift to yourself,” Sechio said. “Go to Barnes and Noble and get a tarot deck. Practice with your friends and read about it. You can even do it for yourself. You can pull your own cards and get advice for yourself. If you’re into that, do it.”